Roles of cyclooxygenase inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of opioid-induced postoperative hyperalgesia

Background Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is defined as a state of nociceptive sensitization caused by exposure to opioids,which partially contributes to the postoperative pain.Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors are widely used medications for postoperative pain control in clinic due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesia properties.Objective To review and summarize the roles of COX inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of OIH.Content This article reviews the latest basic and clinical research of COX inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of OIH.Trend COX inhibitors,especially COX-2 inhibitors can significantly attenuate OIH.However,further research is needed to dissect the mechanism of COX inhibitors in attenuating OIH. Key words: Cyclooxygenase;  Opioid;  Hyperalgesia